Cherry Equity to launch GiGi in Manchester

Cherry Equity Partners, the hospitality investment business founded by Ed Standring and Jamie Barber, is to launch GiGi Gusto Griglia, an Italian grill room and cocktail bar on Deansgate, Manchester. 

Opening at the end of September, the new concept takes over a former a Gusto restaurant.

The kitchen will be led by Manchester chef Sam Astley-Dean (formerly of Onda and Lina Stores), who will oversee a menu built using seasonal ingredients a la griglia (on the grill).

"I wanted, quite selfishly, to build a restaurant I want to go to, somewhere I can sip a proper Negroni, share handmade pasta and pizzette, listen to great music and finish with a well-rested piece of rare-breed steak," says Barber. "From the kitchen to the piano, bar to the DJs and the incredible team every part of GiGi is designed around the pleasure of eating, drinking and staying out. "

"Gigi marks the first of our material commitments to invest heavily in the real estate, talent and brands we acquired in 2025," adds Standring. "We have invested over £1m in bringing Gigi to life. We are thrilled to back a deeply talented local Manchester team to create something very special; elegant and elevated, unique and vibrant, and the very first of our Italian Grill Rooms."

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